Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina

The massive Cathedral, built in the 17th-18th century over a pre-existing church and which the current bell tower belongs to in the lower part, while th eupper part is from 1578. Also original are the Catalan-Gothic style windows on the left side. The dome dates from 1768. The façade has a notable portal with spiral columns by Leonardo De Luca. The interior, with a single, large nave, houses the Madonna della Vittoria (Madonna of the Victory), a Byzantine icon traditionally associated to the banner donated by the Pope to Roger I of Sicily during the council of Melfi, as well an unusual two-sided Crucifix by unknown. The Diocesan Museum has reliquiaries, articles of silverware, monstrances and other art works. Nearby is the Palazzo Trigona, from the name of the family who commissioned the church.